**New Directions: A Showcase of Student Choreography**

**Dates & Times:**
- Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 PM
- Friday, June 7 at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 PM

**Location:** Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:**
New Directions is a vibrant showcase featuring the innovative work of student choreographers at UC San Diego. This event is a celebration of dance, bringing together dance makers and movers from across all areas, extending beyond the department to engage the wider campus community. The showcase aims to support the next generation of embodied storytellers and movement makers, providing a platform for students to explore themes of lineage, community resilience, empowerment, liberation, and peace through their creative works.

This year's concert boasts an impressive lineup of student choreographers, including Elizabeth You, Gage Stixrude-Bertelloni, Italy Clark, Fabricio Apuy Novella, Saryah Colbert, Yali Alsberg, Mira Mitre, Vrisika Chauhan, Yvente Situ, Lauren Lee, and Sage Kowalkowski. Each choreographer brings their unique vision to the stage, asking poignant questions and inviting the audience into their explorations of movement and meaning.

**Content Warning:** Please note that the performances may include flashing/strobe lighting and depictions of firearms.

**Tickets:** Available for purchase for each performance night. Join us for an evening of compelling dance works that promise to inspire and provoke thought.

**Creatives/Designers:**
- Director: Ana María Álvarez
- Choreographers: Elizabeth You, Gage Stixrude-Bertelloni, Italy Clark, Fabricio Apuy Novella, Saryah Colbert, Yali Alsberg, Mira Mitre, Yvente Situ, Lauren Lee, Vrisika Chauhan, Sage Kowalkowski
- Lighting Designers: Vida Huang, Taylor Olson, Stephaney Knapp, Melody Vilitchai
- EDI Advocate: Aysan Celik
- Production Manager: Laura Manning
- And many more talented individuals behind the scenes.

**Director's Note:** Ana María Álvarez shares her vision for New Directions, emphasizing the power of art making as a radical act of imagination and sharing. She invites the audience to witness the courage of student artists as they navigate the complexities of their worlds through dance, exploring personal and collective narratives of liberation and transformation.

**Special Appreciation:** A heartfelt thanks to Margaret Marshall for her continued support of the New Directions Productions and our student dance makers.

Join us at the Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre for New Directions, an evening that promises not just performances, but a journey into the heart of dance as a form of expression, storytelling, and community building.

EPSG:4326

New Directions

University of California San Diego

"Dead Girl's Quinceañera" is a captivating theatrical performance scheduled to run from May 6th to May 18th at the Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre. This dark comedy, penned by the talented Phanésia Pharel and directed by Lamar Perry, delves into the complexities of being 15, especially when faced with the disappearance of a best friend. The narrative follows Maria and her friends as they embark on a desperate quest to uncover the truth behind her vanishing, exploring themes of secrets, female friendship, and crime-solving. The play poses profound questions about coming of age in a troubled world and the lengths one must go to survive.

Content Warning: Please note that the play addresses sensitive topics, including themes and dialogue related to childhood sexual assault.

The cast features Kat Peña as Salma, Gabriela D'Amico as Este, Colby Muhammad as Phoebe, and Gabriella Marie Johnson in the role of Maria, with a talented team of understudies and a creative team dedicated to bringing this story to life.

Tickets for the performance on Saturday, May 18th, at both 10:30 AM and 7:30 PM are currently sold out, with a waitlist available for those still hoping to attend.

About the Playwright: Phanésia Pharel is a Haitian-American playwright with a rich background and a member of the Obie award-winning EST/Youngblood group. Her work has been recognized and developed by prestigious institutions and has earned numerous accolades.

About the Director: Lamar Perry is a Queer Black director, producer, and educator with a wealth of experience in the theatre industry, including recent directing credits and contributions to the development of new works.

"Dead Girl's Quinceañera" promises to be a thought-provoking and entertaining experience, exploring significant themes through the lens of a dark comedy.

Dead Girl's Quinceañera

Join us at the Epstein Family Amphitheater for the "All Area Dance Sharing" event, a captivating evening dedicated to dance, sharing, and community. This unique gathering, scheduled for May 15th from 4-6pm, showcases the hard work and talent of our TDMV movement classes. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the professors and students behind these performances, gaining insight into their creative processes and learning experiences.

The evening doesn't end there; it transitions into a vibrant 2-hour connection jam from 6-8pm, led by Dr. Grace, accompanied by a live DJ. This segment promises to be an energetic and immersive experience, fostering connections through the universal language of dance and music.

This event is open to everyone and admission is completely free. Just show up and immerse yourself in the art of dance and the joy of community at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty, and perhaps, find a new connection of your own on the dance floor.

All Area Dance Sharing

**Event Title:** The Half-Sibling Play

**Playwright:** Agyeiwaa Asante

**Director:** Ludmila de Brito, MFA 2

**Dates:** April 29 - May 17

**Location:** Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:**
"The Half-Sibling Play" is a poignant exploration of family, grief, and identity, penned by the talented Ghanaian-American theatre artist, Agyeiwaa Asante. The narrative unfolds as half-siblings Kweku and Amoaa, who have grown up in separate households and have never been close, are brought together by the unexpected death of their father. Their journey from Brooklyn to Ghana to pay their respects and claim their birthright becomes a deep dive into the complexities of sibling relationships, the absence of a parent, and the quest for belonging. This play is a heartfelt examination of what it means to come home, to connect with family, and to confront the past.

**Content Warning:** The play includes themes of Blood and Self-Harm.

**Director's Note:** Ludmila de Brito describes the play as a "love letter" to those navigating the turbulent waters of grief and the quest for love and acceptance. It's a narrative that acknowledges the messy, non-linear process of healing and the power of finding those who understand our deepest pains and struggles.

**Cast Highlights:**
- Amoaa: Ruva Chigwedere
- Kweku: Nate B. Smith
- Understudies include Cyera Ellis (U/S Amoaa) and Halin Moss (U/S Kweku).

**Creative Team:**
The production boasts a talented creative team, including Assistant Directors Halin Moss and Karla Leon, Dramaturg Jazmine Logan, Scenic Designer Tzu Yu Su, Costume Designer Ting Xiong, Lighting Designer Vida Huang, Sound Designer Harper Justus, and many more dedicated artists.

**Tickets:** The performance on Friday, May 17 at 7:30PM is sold out, indicating the high demand and anticipation for this production. A waitlist is available for this date.

**About the Playwright:** Agyeiwaa Asante is a third-year MFA student with a rich background in exploring the black diaspora and intraracial/cultural dynamics through her work. Her accolades include the Kennedy Center’s Page-to-Stage Festival 2017, the Watermelon One-Act Festival- Best Production 2019, and the Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation’s Ollie Award for emerging playwrights in 2020.

**About the Director:** Ludmila de Brito, a Brazilian director of Indigenous descent, is known for her passion for politically urgent and transcendent storytelling. Her previous work includes directing in Brazil and India, and she is a Lin Manuel Miranda Family Fellow.

This event promises to be a powerful and moving experience, exploring deep themes of family, loss, and identity through the lens of two siblings' journey to reconnect with their roots and each other.

The Half-Sibling Play

Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre

**Event Title:** Cancelina

**Dates:** April 26 - May 18

**Location:** Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:**
"Cancelina" is a compelling comedy that delves into the complexities of fame, cancel culture, and the quest for redemption. The story follows Alina Jay, a former tween star turned singer/actress, whose career takes a nosedive after a controversial incident. As the internet backlash ensues, Alina's team, spearheaded by her best friend and assistant, Meg, embarks on a mission to restore her public image. This play humorously yet thoughtfully explores the dynamics of female friendship, the relentless nature of the internet, and the societal pressures faced by young women in the spotlight.

**Content Warning:** The play includes references to sensitive topics such as eating disorders, child abuse, mental illness, gun violence, and drug use. Viewer discretion is advised.

**Director's Note:** Directed by Allie Moss, "Cancelina" is described as a darkly funny romp that critically examines the impact of the internet on personal lives and relationships. It highlights the enduring strength of female friendship amidst the chaos of modern celebrity culture.

**Tickets:** Available for the performance on Saturday, May 18 at 2:00PM. 

**The Cast Includes:**
- Alina: Audrey Freund
- Meg: Mai Lan Nguyen
- Along with a talented ensemble playing multiple roles.

**The Creative Team:**
- Playwright: Beth Hyland
- Music and Lyrics: Beth Hyland with additional composition by Padra Crisafulli
- Choreography, scenic design, costume design, and more by a dedicated team of artists.

**About the Playwright:** Beth Hyland is a celebrated playwright and screenwriter known for her insightful and engaging works. Her accolades include the 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival’s L. Arnold Weissberger New Play Award and the 2023 Kennedy Center’s Paula Vogel Prize.

**About the Director:** Allie Moss brings her extensive experience and unique vision to this production, having previously directed and worked on numerous acclaimed projects.

**Don't Miss This:** "Cancelina" promises to be a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of contemporary issues, brought to life by a talented cast and creative team. Join us at the Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre for a performance that's sure to resonate long after the curtain falls.

Cancelina

Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre

A weekly community offering that began Spring 2024. T+ D professor Ana Maria Alvarez and a roster of amazing artists from on and off campus lead a weekly gathering space for connection, radical joy and community! In connection jam participants are led through a collective practice of our ancestral technologies movement and play. No experience necessary, this is an open and non judgemental space. Come ready to move, sweat, laugh and practice joy as if it were a muscle. You will leave feeling more grounded, connected and joyful! 

Connection Jam

This winter dance production will feature three original new works of 3 professional choreographers who are from our dance faculty: Dr. grace shinhae jun (hip hop), Kara Mack (African Diasporic Movement) and Ana María Álvarez (Afro-Latine activist dance theater). All three works will include large casts of performers. Choreographers will collaborate with student designers, and artists from across all areas are encouraged to audition.

WinterWorks

La Jolla Playhouse

Join us for an extraordinary virtual event, the "Fall Dance virtual," directed by the talented Marcos Duran. This unique production is set to premiere on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 PM, and promises to be an unforgettable experience that showcases the creativity and skill of our student directors and performers.

About The Show:
Under the guidance of Marcos Duran, student directors will delve into the intricate process of dance and physical theater film production. This course covers a broad spectrum of film production aspects, including story writing, producing, directing, creating performance content, cinematography, scenic design, lighting, costume, makeup, and exploring location-specific elements. This is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers of all areas to either direct or join a dynamic team, contributing to a vibrant virtual fall production.

The show will feature works by a group of talented individuals, including Niki Lin, Jay Brake, Celia Carton, Chanell Stone, Brenda Estrada, Yuliana Noriega, Mariana Noriega, Natalia Morales, and Fernando Castaneda-Linares. Each participant brings their unique vision and creativity to the project, making "Fall Dance virtual" a diverse and rich artistic experience.

Don't miss this innovative virtual dance performance. Mark your calendars for Dec. 8 and join us at 7:30 PM for a night of exceptional talent and creativity. Watch the premiere on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJtZYmNPLadNMlid9JVNRYw and be part of this groundbreaking event from the comfort of your home.

Tumbling Down the Spiral Staircase

**Event Title:** No Singing In The Navy

**Dates:** May 10 - May 18

**Location:** Arthur Wagner Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:** "No Singing In The Navy" is a unique theatrical experience that delves into the lives of three silly sailors who have 124 hours in San Diego before being shipped off to war. This play serves as a loving yet sardonic riff on the golden, problematic age of musical theater, exploring the collision of American innocence and nostalgia with the harsh realities of political turmoil and uncomfortable truths. Directed by Aysan Celik and penned by Milo Cramer, this production promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of themes relevant to our times.

**Performance Schedule:** 
- **Final Show:** Saturday, May 18 at 7:30PM - SOLD OUT
- **Waitlist Available:** For the final show on May 18 at 7:30PM

**The Cast:**
- Sailor 1: Bailey Lee
- Sailor 2: Elliot Saga
- Sailor 3: Ellen Nikbakht
- Understudies include Emjay Williams, Tommy Huebner, and Madeleine Kerr, among others.

**Creative Team Highlights:**
- Music Director: Padra Crisafulli
- Scenic Design: Maddie Butler
- Costume Design: Ting Xiong
- Lighting Design: Stephaney Knapp
- Dramaturg: Natalia Demko
- Fight & Intimacy Director: Rachel Flesher

**About the Playwright:** Milo Cramer, a third-year MFA student, brings to life a narrative that seeks to unravel human connection and misunderstanding through a deeply personal and innovative lens. His previous works, including the audio-play "Boy Factory" and the play "Cute Activist," have been critically acclaimed for their insightful and fresh perspectives.

**About the Director:** Professor Aysan Celik, with over 20 years of experience as an actor and theater-maker, brings her expertise and unique vision to this production. Her work often explores the intersection of comedy and social justice, making her the perfect fit for directing a play that challenges conventional narratives and invites audiences to reflect on broader societal issues.

**Ticket Information:** While the final performance is sold out, interested attendees are encouraged to join the waitlist for a chance to experience this compelling production. Further details and ticket policies can be found on the UC San Diego Theatre and Dance website.

**Note:** For more information on the cast, creative team, and additional insights into the play and its creators, attendees are encouraged to view the digital program available online.

No Singing In The Navy

**809 Almond: A Dark Comedy at Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre**

**Dates:** May 3 - May 17

**Location:** Sheila & Hughes Potiker Theatre, UC San Diego

**About the Show:**
"809 Almond" is a riveting dark comedy that delves into the complexities of race, sex, and late-stage capitalism through the lens of a Berkeley co-op originally founded in the Sixties. Times have changed, and the current residents, far removed from their progressive roots, are now engrossed in starting tech start-ups. In a bid to reconnect with their foundational values, they decide to recruit a Black roommate, who brings her own unique agenda to the table. This production promises a thought-provoking exploration of well-intentioned liberalism's blind spots and hypocrisies.

**Content Warning:** Please be advised that the play contains references to guns, violence, nudity, profane language, racial slurs, and features flashing lights/strobe effects.

**Tickets:** Available for the performance on Friday, May 17 at 7:30PM.

**Creative and Stage Management Team:**
- Directed by Stephen Buescher
- Written by Mylan Gray
- Featuring a talented cast including Emma Lias, Germainne Lebrón, Kyá Lee, Layth Haddad, and Torkan Omari, with a dedicated team of understudies and a comprehensive creative team behind the scenes.

**About the Playwright:**
Mylan Gray, an Eagle Scout and debate champion turned playwright, is known for their unique approach to transforming Black suffering into expressions of joy, laughter, and peace. Gray's accolades include the Lorraine Hansberry Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for their play, "Buried in Blood."

**About the Director:**
Professor Stephen Buescher is celebrated for his extensive experience as an actor, director, and teaching artist, having contributed to the movement training curriculum of several master’s programs and directed numerous productions across prestigious theaters.

Don't miss this compelling production that promises to challenge perceptions and spark conversations. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable theatre experience.

809 Almond

Lisa Portes is an educator, director, advocate and leader whose aim is to define and promote a new American narrative that is driven aesthetically and politically by the world we are becoming rather than the world we've been. She seeks to forge an American theatre that expands our understanding of who we are, blows open our assumptions of what our world looks like and extends us into the great, big, messy experience of being human in the 21st century. 

Hedda Gabbler

Allie Moss is a third-year MFA student originally from Columbus, Ohio. Prior to attending UCSD, she was based in San Francisco.  UC San Diego credits: Late: A Cowboy Song, Boxed, Orlando, and Romeo and Juliet. Bay Area directing credits include Far Away (A.C.T. MFA Program), Restoration Master Reset (Cutting Ball Theater), Cloud 9 and American Hero (Custom Made Theatre Co.), and Hookman (A.C.T. Young Conservatory). Allie also served as the literary manager and casting associate at American Conservatory Theater, where she dramaturged mainstage productions, co-produced A.C.T.'s annual New Strands Festival, cast mainstage shows, and taught audition prep classes for high school, undergraduate, and graduate acting students. Allie has a BA in Theater from Goucher College and is an associate member of SDC.

University of California, San Diego Department of Theatre and Dance

7 - 16 Nov, 2024

Hedda Gabbler

Nov 22 - Dec 7, 2024

Vinegar Tom

Apr 17 - May 22, 2025

Connection Jam

6 - 8 Jun, 2024

New Directions

May 18, 2024

Dead Girl's Quinceañera

University of California, San Diego Department of Theatre and Dance